Desmids of the Lowlands aims to represent all desmid taxa known from the Netherlands and adjacent lowland areas. Over 500 species and more than 150 additional varieties are dealt with. Because of the predominantly cosmopolitan nature of most species the flora may also be of use outside the above-mentioned geographical region. The enclosed CD-rom offers general information on desmid biology as well as a selection of species that are discussed in more detail. Ecological data, both on separate species and desmid communities, enable a characterization of the habitat sampled. A digital calculation method for the assessment of desmid-related conservation value is included.